[Visual]

[scattered_rose]

[It's early evening when the scrolls come on, showing the small-ish pegasus. He looks... well, troubled would probably be the best description. Like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders and found it too heavy.]

I've... um. I've got a question, for anyone that might be able to help.

[He doesn't look too confident about that idea, though. He sighs softly, fiddling for a moment with the ground, not quite looking at the scroll.]

I was wondering if any of you have heard of, ah... "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder"? And know anything more about it other than "it's pretty much what it sounds like."

[A shrug.] I've already tried researching around here, and haven't had any luck. So... any help that anyone can give me would be really, really appreciated.

..Thanks. [And then the feed cuts out.]

Comments

[namedforcat]

I know a little about it. [If Daniel was asking about it...that would explain some things about the teen.]

It's fairly common in my Universe. Was there something in particular you needed to know or just general things? I'm not a health professional though so there will be some things I can't answer.

[scattered_rose]

Yes? [He paused, shook his head.] No? I don't- ...I don't know.

I guess I wanna know anything you know about it. I don't know anything about it objectively.

[namedforcat]

Generally speaking, it is what it sounds like. Most often PTSD is brought on by surviving traumatic incidents. Most of those I've encountered who have it were soldiers, or refugees from war zones, or people who had been harassed and persecuted. This doesn't mean that conflict is the only cause, just the one I'm most familiar with.

The problem is, while it does have general attributes, the cause and the pattern of symptoms are somewhat individual.

[scattered_rose]

...Ah. So I guess for it to be pretty common, there's a lot of war in your world, huh?

[A short exhale.] Do you know any of the general stuff about it? The- signs, and things?

[Visual]

[bigsoftie]

I think I could...if you could explain what you mean by "post-traumatic".

[Visual]

[scattered_rose]

Well, it's. Kinda what it sounds like, like I said. It's something that some people can get after living through traumatic events.

[Visual]

[bigsoftie]

...would that mean things like getting angry?

[Visual]

[scattered_rose]

It could yeah? I know... bits and pieces about it, I guess. Which is why I'm trying to find out more.

[Visual]

[chatwithdeath]

[Well, the doctor was still in Canterlot, but she's capable of answering.]

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental illness that can occur in any person triggered often by experiencing or witnessing a horrifying event. That's the simple explanation... Why do you want to know?

[Visual]

[scattered_rose]

I'm asking it for... personal reasons.

[Give it a moment.]

As in, it's something I recently learned the name of. That someone said in response to hearing about... problems I've been having.

[Visual]

[chatwithdeath]

I see... As PTSD affects various mental processes, resulting in psychological complications. A person's behavior, mood, and sleep patterns end up disturbed by it as well. If it isn't addressed, the physical body will begin to suffer, too.

[Visual]

[scattered_rose]

...Like how?

[visual][private]

[polyturtle]

What do you want to know about it?

[visual][private]

[scattered_rose]

Anything. Whatever anyone can tell me.

[visual][private]

[polyturtle]

Do you think you have it? Or do you think somepony else has it?

[visual][private]

[scattered_rose]

I'm pretty sure I have it, from what I know about it so far.

[kuukai]

Few'f us've prob'ly got a bit of it.

[ Kyouko's chowing down on breakfast but she glances at the scroll in between bites. ] Ya got it?

[scattered_rose]

-Really? [Well, maybe that's not so surprising, with the assorted experiences assembled here.

Her question has him hesitate a moment, before answering.]

...Yeah.

[kuukai]

Meditation.

[ Her answer's automatic, even as she gulps down her eggs. ] Talkin' helps too, sometimes, but th'other one's gotta know a little of what yer goin' through for 'em ta really get it.

[ She looks at him, a little worried. He's way too young to have PTSD. (Then again, so is she.) ] Ya look like ya got some things on yer mind.

[misplacedxsheath]

It's a common affliction among soldiers. I've had a fair bit of experience in dealing with it.

*And, you know, probably has it himself. Or almost certainly. But as everyone knows, There Are No Therapists.*

[scattered_rose]

[This gets his interest.]

How... do you deal with it?

[misplacedxsheath]

Talking with others who have shared similar experiences often helps. As does occupying yourself with something gratifying, be it work, exercise or some form of creative endeavor.

What I've found most effective, however, is finding a positive direction for your life. A goal you can work towards to feel as if your actions have meaning and to claim a sense of control over your future.

*His ears flick and he looks far off for a moment, before shaking is head.*

It's important to build positive memories to counteract the traumatic experiences, a sort of buffer you can use to combat the volatile emotions that often follow traumatic stress. Meditation and other relaxation techniques are effective in that regard as well. I find reading particularly helpful.

[Visual]

[theytookmypants]

[Crmsn stares at the scroll and his ears fold back and his face knits up with worry...he was wondering when Daniel would be bringing this up.]

I...yeah. I have. Sure there are plenty of others too.

[Visual]

[scattered_rose]

Yeah, I'm... getting that impression.

[Visual]

[theytookmypants]

You uh...

[He sighs and rubs the back of his mane thoughtfully.]

...do you remember February?